Peter MokoenaTelkom data deals provide data without any additional expenses, This is particularly good for retaining customers – those who have been with the network for a long time, enjoying the network’s services.
Telkom, one of South Africa’s leading telecommunications providers, offers a wide range of data bundles designed to meet the diverse needs of its users—from casual browsers to heavy streamers and business professionals.
This article provides a detailed breakdown of Telkom’s data bundles, including prepaid, contract, and specialized options. We’ll explore pricing, features, and how to choose the best bundle for your lifestyle.
Why Telkom?
Telkom has built a reputation for offering affordable and flexible data solutions. With extensive coverage, competitive pricing, and a variety of bundle types, Telkom caters to users across all income brackets and usage patterns. Whether you need data for a day, a month, or a long-term contract, Telkom has a bundle to match.
Types of Telkom Data Bundles
Telkom offers six primary categories of data bundles:
1. FreeMe Bundles
FreeMe bundles are Telkom’s all-in-one packages that include:
- General data
- WhatsApp and streaming data
- On-net and off-net calling minutes
- SMS allocations
These bundles are ideal for users who want a mix of data and communication services.
FreeMe Bundle Breakdown:
| Plan | Price | General Data | Streaming | On-Net Minutes | Off-Net Minutes | SMS | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 800MB | R99 | 500MB | 150MB | 150MB | 500 | 15 | 50 |
| 1.5GB | R139 | 1GB | 250MB | 250MB | 500 | 25 | 100 |
| 3GB | R189 | 2GB | 500MB | 500MB | 1000 | 50 | 200 |
| 6GB | R249 | 4GB | 1GB | 1GB | 1000 | 100 | 400 |
| 11.5GB | R299 | 7.5GB | 2GB | 2GB | 1000 | 200 | 800 |
| 28GB | R689 | 20GB | 4GB | 4GB | 3000 | 1000 | 2000 |
Pros:
- Great for users who need both data and voice services
- Includes dedicated data for WhatsApp and streaming
- Long validity (up to two calendar months for general data)
Cons:
- Higher-tier bundles may be expensive for light users
- Streaming and WhatsApp data expire at the end of the current month
2. Monthly Data Bundles
Monthly bundles are perfect for users who want predictable costs and consistent access. These are prepaid bundles valid for 30 days.
Examples:
| Data Volume | Price |
|---|---|
| 25MB | R7.25 |
| 50MB | R14.50 |
| 100MB | R29 |
| 250MB | R39 |
| 500MB | R69 |
| 1GB | R99 |
| 2GB | R139 |
| 3GB | R199 |
| 5GB | R299 |
| 10GB | R499 |
Pros:
- Affordable entry-level options
- Ideal for light users and mobile browsing
Cons:
- No voice or SMS benefits
- No Night Surfer data included
3. Time-Based Bundles
Time-based bundles offer data usable within specific time frames (e.g., 1 hour, 3 hours). These are great for quick tasks like downloading files or attending a short meeting.
Use Cases:
- Emergency downloads
- Short video calls
- Quick browsing sessions
Pros:
- Very affordable
- Flexible for occasional use
Cons:
- Limited usability window
- Not suitable for ongoing tasks
4. Night Surfer Bundles
Night Surfer data is available from 00:00 to 07:00 AM and is often included as a bonus with LTE and SIM-only plans. It’s perfect for:
- Streaming movies
- Downloading large files
- Updating software
- Backing up data
Pros:
- Doesn’t affect regular data balance
- Ideal for heavy users who can schedule tasks overnight
Cons:
- Usable only during off-peak hours
- Not available as a standalone bundle in all cases
5. Social & Streaming Bundles
These specialized bundles are designed for users who primarily use data for social media and entertainment.
Examples:
- WhatsApp Bundles: Unlimited chats, calls, and status updates
- TikTok Bundles: Seamless video streaming and sharing
- Facebook & Instagram Bundles: Affordable access to social platforms
- Streaming Bundles: Data for Telkom Content Partners like Netflix, YouTube, and Showmax
Pros:
- Platform-specific savings
- Great for social media addicts and streamers
Cons:
- Limited to specific apps
- Not suitable for general browsing or work
6. Once-Off Data Bundles
These are prepaid bundles that expire after a set period and don’t auto-renew.
Examples:
| Data Volume | Price |
|---|---|
| 100MB | R29 |
| 500MB | R69 |
| 2GB | R139 |
| 10GB | R499 |
Pros:
- No commitment
- Easy to top up
Cons:
- No voice or SMS benefits
- No Night Surfer data
How to Buy Telkom Data Bundles
You can purchase Telkom bundles through:
Telkom App
- Download from Google Play or Apple App Store
- Log in and navigate to “Buy Bundles”
USSD Code
- Dial
*180#and follow the prompts
Telkom Website
- Visit Telkom Prepaid Services
Retail Stores
- Visit any Telkom outlet nationwide
Choosing the Right Bundle
Here’s a quick guide to help you decide:
| User Type | Recommended Bundle | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Light User | Monthly or Once-Off (1GB–2GB) | Affordable, short-term use |
| Student | FreeMe or Night Surfer | Combo of data + communication |
| Remote Worker | FreeMe or Monthly (5GB–10GB) | Reliable data for work tasks |
| Heavy Streamer/Gamer | FreeMe 28GB or LTE Bundles | High data volume + streaming support |
| Social Media Addict | Social or WhatsApp Bundles | Platform-specific savings |
Telkom vs Other Providers
Telkom competes with Vodacom, MTN, Cell C, and Rain. Here’s how it stacks up:
| Feature | Telkom | Vodacom | MTN | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pricing | Affordable | Moderate | Moderate | Low |
| Bundle Variety | High | High | High | Low |
| Night Data | Included | Limited | Limited | Unlimited |
| Social Bundles | Available | Available | Available | Not Specific |
| Coverage | Wide | Very Wide | Very Wide | Urban Only |
Telkom’s strength lies in its affordability and flexibility, especially for users who need high-volume data without premium pricing.
Final Thoughts
Telkom’s data bundles offer something for everyone. Whether you’re a casual user, a student, a remote worker, or a digital enthusiast, Telkom provides flexible, affordable options to keep you connected. With specialized bundles for social media, streaming, and off-peak usage, Telkom ensures that South Africans can access the internet in a way that suits their lifestyle and budget.
So if you’re looking to stretch your data spend without sacrificing speed or reliability, Telkom’s data bundles are a smart choice.